Here they are—all the intimate, inside fax you never knew about Mike!
What is your full real name?
Robert Michael Nesmith. I once sang under the name of Mike Blessing for a while.
When and where were you born?
I was born in Houston, Texas, on December 30, 1943 (Actually 1942).
What is your height, weight and coloring?
I am tall—six feet and two inches of it. I weigh 155 pounds and have black hair and searching brown eyes.
Where does your family live?
Well, my (and my wife’s) folks live in San Antonio, Texas. But I have my own family in Hollywood.
Where do you live?
My wife, Phyllis, my 24-month-old son, Christian DuVal, and I live in a rambling Spanish-type house in the Hollywood Hills. It is furnished in what I call “moderate” modern.
What is your favorite kind of music?
Different music is right for different toes, so one really can’t be specific. However, generally speaking, I like country and western music best.
What do you do in your spare time?
What spare time? Actually if I get any I dig working on the ’56 Chevy I just bought. I’m making it a custom hot rod.
Have you ever been seriously ill?
Nope—and I hope I never will be. I hope you won’t be, either.
When did you get married?
I got married three years ago. Phyllis is from San Antonio. It was a short romance, but I knew she was right for me.
What sort of girl is Phyllis?
She is perfect. She is 20 years old. She has long blonde hair and is about five feet and six inches tall. Most important—she is very feminine, sweet and quiet-spoken. I am very hung up on her and our wonderful son.
How many children would you like to have?
I would like to have one more.
What sports do you like?
I like motor racing, but I have not done it yet. I used to race motorbikes, so that’s a beginning.
What would you do if you suddenly came into a million-dollar inheritance?
Quit! No, really I would continue working, no matter what. I think I’d like to start producing and recording my own records—and maybe buy myself a racing track of my very own. Vaarr—room!
Who has helped you most with your career?
The American public—especially the young people.
Who are your closest friends in and out of show business?
John London (everybody seems to misspell his name—this is the right way) is one. We used to work together as Mike and John. He is a side-man when we tour now, playing bass guitar. Steve Blauner of Screen Gems, and Bert Schneider of The Monkees, are two other close friends.
Who is your favorite recording star?
Danny Hutton—he sings folk-rock with a country and western flavor.
What do you dislike about your work?
Hangers-on (there are plenty of those crawling around) and phonies. I also hate people who bug me. Nag—nag!
What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
Basically, the same kind you see me wear on the show (except for that wool hat). I like Western boots or Indian boots of soft leather with long fringes on them. I wear Jeans with my shirt-tail hanging out.
What do you do when you are alone?
I have a “loner” streak in me and I like to “disappear” once in a while. I go driving off and turn up hours later. I also write songs, when I can find a little time to myself.
How would you describe your own personality?
I wouldn’t. I’ll leave that up to you, but—remember—you can never be sure about me.
What three tips would you give a girl who wanted you to like her?
Don’t wreck my car, be careful of slide rules, and don’t like me.
What part of your work do you like the best?
The musical aspect of it.
What is your most prized possession?
A special-made Gretsch 12-string guitar I have. There are only two others like it in the world. George Harrison has one and Chet Atkins has the other. But—material things are not necessarily the most important things. Remember that.
What TV show do you enjoy most?
The Huntley-Brinkley Show—a comedy series.
What three things would you wish for if you were stranded on a desert island?
And incredibly valuable treasure chest, a groovey new wardrobe, and then to be rescued!
